Pile-Up in Jackson Heights Precinct That Barely Enforces Speeding

Clarence came across the scene of a three-vehicle crash in Jackson Heights earlier this afternoon, at 35th Avenue and 81st Street, a.k.a. the “Scrabble” corner.

According to FDNY, seven people suffered minor injuries, and one was taken to the hospital. Fortunately it appears no one outside a vehicle was hurt, though this crash could easily have been much worse.

Clarence points out that there are three schools in close proximity to this intersection. “It is the same place a hit-and-run happened a little over a month ago. And I saw another fender bender there just two weeks ago.”

In April, Clarence posted a Streetfilm of Jackson Heights drivers who fail to use turn signals — he counted 24 out of 100. The 115th Precinct, where this crash occurred, wrote 133 citations for failure to signal in 2012, and a total of 177 speeding tickets, about one every other day.

Two pedestrians — a senior and an 11-year-old boy — have been killed by motorists in the 115th Precinct in the past six months. To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Deputy Inspector Michael A. Cody, the commanding officer, go to the next precinct community council meeting. The 115th Precinct council meetings happen at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the precinct, 92-15 Northern Boulevard. Call 718-533-2010 for information.